How an arthroscopy is carried out

Preparing for surgery

Before having an arthroscopy, you'll usually be given an appointment to attend a pre-admission clinic.

During the appointment, your general health will be assessed to make sure you're ready for surgery. You'll also be given information about issues such as:

what and when you can eat and drink on the day of surgery

whether you should stop or start any medications before surgery

how long it will take for you to recover from surgery

whether you'll need to do rehabilitation exercises after surgery

The surgical team will explain the benefits and risks associated with having an arthroscopy. You'll also be asked to sign a consent form to confirm you agree to have the operation and that you understand what's involved, including the potential risks.

The procedure

Your anaesthetist will explain which type of anaesthetic is most suitable for you. In some cases, you may be able to say which you would prefer.

If you have a local anaesthetic, your joint will be numbed so you don't feel any pain. You may still feel some sensations during the procedure, such as a slight tugging, as the surgeon works on the joint.

Antibacterial fluid is used to clean the skin over the affected joint and a small cut, a few millimetres long, is made in the skin next to the joint so that a device called an arthroscope (a thin, metal tube with a light and camera at one end) can be inserted.

One or more additional incisions will also be made so that an examining probe or other fine surgical instruments can be inserted.

The joint is sometimes filled with a sterile fluid to expand it and make it easier for the surgeon to view. The arthroscope sends images to a video screen or eyepiece, allowing the surgeon to see inside your joint.

As well as examining the inside of the joint, if necessary, your surgeon will be able to remove any unwanted tissue or repair any damaged areas using tiny surgical instruments inserted through the additional incisions.

After the procedure, the arthroscope and any attachments are removed, along with any excess fluid from the joint. The incisions are usually closed using special tape or stitches and covered with a sterile dressing.

An arthroscopy usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the type of procedure carried out. You'll either be able to go home on the same day as the surgery or the following morning.

Recovering from an arthroscopy

How long it takes to recover from an arthroscopy depends on the joint involved and the specific procedure you had.

It's often possible to return to work and light, physical activities within a few weeks, but more demanding physical activities such as lifting and sport may not be possible for several months.

Your surgeon or care team will let you know how long it's likely to take to recover and what activities to avoid until you've fully recovered.

While recovering, contact your GP or surgical team for advice if you think you may have developed one of the complications described below.